Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban
Durban, South Africa

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban

Outty Ranking 72 4.7 · 40 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $279
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Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 40 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban worth booking?

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban is a 12-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $279 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 40 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
72 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (40)
Duration
12 hours
From
$279 per person

This tour has two main features. First you will visit St Lucia and the estuary inside the  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a  2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife. After a short visit to the town of St Lucia and the beach, you will head off to the  Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve where your experienced guide will show you around on closed vehicle game drive in the park in search of the diverse wildlife and big 5.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour has two main features. First you will visit St Lucia and the estuary inside the  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a  2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife. After a short visit to the town of St Lucia and the beach, you will head off to the  Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve where your experienced guide will show you around on closed vehicle game drive in the park in search of the diverse wildlife and big 5.

    What's included

    Included

    • Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Qualified Tour Guide
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • 2-hour Boat Safari
    • Closed Vehicle Game Drive

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

      Enjoy a 2 hour safari on the St Lucia River along the estuary. The local tour guide will inform you of the history and wildlife of the area and ts wildlife.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area

      Enjoy a closed vehicle game drive on Safari at South Africa's oldest National Reserve. You will travel in the park in the comfort of a 3-hour open vehicle game drive. The park hosts all the wildlife that is available in South Africa.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Durban

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, el, en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    1st Zulu Safaris

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • You are looking for a closed vehicle safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi.
    • You are ok travelling a 2h30m distance to reserve.
    • You want to experience and learn about the wildlife that roams the reserve.
    • You want to experience a guided 2-hour boat safari on the iSimangaliso Estuary.
    • German and Polish languages can be requested (on request)
    • Wheelchair user: Any traveler using wheelchair have to inform us before we can confirm booking

    Photos

    Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban, photo 2St Lucia Walk Way, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from DurbanHluhluwe Rhino, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from DurbanGiraffes Hluhluwe Imfolozi, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from DurbanLion at Hluhluwe Imfolozi, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from DurbanElephants at Hluhluwe, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 40 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    40 verified traveler reviews for Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    32
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    V9260HHmichelem · March 2026

    Safari

    Bule was our guide. What an awesome and knowledgeable man. He did an exceptional job of finding the animals on safari. He helped my husband with learning Zulu while we drive to our safari. He is a true asset to your company.

    via Tripadvisor

    X8623UVmicheleh · September 2025

    Fantastic tour with a fantastic guide

    Thami, our guide was absolutely fantastic as was the safari. There were so many animals because Thami was so great at spotting them. The wetlands were just OK if I had it to do over again I would skip St. Lucia and have spent more time in the national park. Hulu safari and Thami did a great job, communicating all of the details, including sending an image of our guide drivers license and license plate before the tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    danielecG6520QU · June 2025

    An amazing day with Zulu Safari

    This was a last minute arrangement while travelling in Durban for a business trip. We have spend almost the full day visiting the Game Park and on a Boat trip. Great organisation. A special thanks goes to our guide, Mr. Buleh, that made the day unforgettable for us.

    via Tripadvisor

    angelinafabienneb · November 2024

    Amazing

    Fortune was very friendly and we saw 4 out of the big 5. The trip was very chill and we never felt rushed. I can really recommend doing this trip with him as a guide.

    via Tripadvisor

    Ben_P · August 2024

    Easy one day trip out of Durban

    A great experience if you have only one day out of Durban town. There's no stop for lunch in between, hence get ready your own food!

    Response from the operator: Sorry it was not 5 star rating for you and thanks for letting us know how your experience was and we will work on fixing the problem to avoid any issues next time

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $279 to $5,500
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    14
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by 1st Zulu Safaris, who run 25 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.

    See everything 1st Zulu Safaris runs

    Why this scores 72

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)70
    Booking momentum (14% weight)64
    Value for money (12% weight)60
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durban.

    How much does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban cost?

    +

    Prices start at $279 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Durban usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Durban is not rushed.

    Is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 40 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Durban can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Durban and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Durban within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Durban?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Durban experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Culture Walking Tour of Durban, Sani Pass & Lesotho 4x4 Experience Day Tour from Durban, Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Durban?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Durban?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Included: Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle; Qualified Tour Guide; All Fees and Taxes; 2-hour Boat Safari; and Closed Vehicle Game Drive. Not included: Food and drinks; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Durban. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, Greek, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Wheelchair user: Any traveler using wheelchair have to inform us before we can confirm boo. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Durban. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Across 40 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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